Drain Cleaning and Signs It’s Needed Explained
Slow or smelly drains can start as a minor annoyance and quickly turn into a serious plumbing problem if left unresolved. Professional drain cleaning helps restore proper flow, protect pipes, and prevent messy and costly backups. This post offers an overview of how to recognize when drain cleaning is needed, common causes of drain and sewer line clogs, and the techniques professionals use to clear blockages safely and effectively.
Signs Drain Cleaning Is Needed
Drains and sewer lines usually provide clear warning signs when a clog is forming. One of the most common is slow drainage in sinks, tubs, or showers. Water that lingers or drains in a sluggish swirl often indicates a buildup of debris inside the pipe. Persistent bad smells from drains, especially those with a rotten or sewer-like odor, can also signal accumulating waste, grease, or trapped organic material.
Gurgling sounds coming from drains or toilets are another red flag. These noises may mean trapped air is struggling to move past a partial blockage in the line. In more advanced cases, water may back up into sinks, tubs, or toilets when another fixture is used, a strong indicator of a sewer line clog. Frequent clogs that return shortly after plunging or using store-bought cleaners show that deeper issues exist beyond the fixture’s immediate trap.
Mineral buildup from hard water can make matters worse by narrowing pipe openings over time and causing debris to stick more easily. In some homes, pairing periodic professional drain cleaning with a water softener or whole-home water softener can help reduce scale formation, protecting both drains and plumbing fixtures.
Common Causes of Drain and Sewer Line Clogs
Clogs in drains and sewer lines typically develop over time, often due to everyday habits. In the kitchen, grease, cooking oils, and food scraps are major offenders. Even when rinsed with hot water, fats and oils can cool and solidify inside pipes, creating a sticky coating that traps other debris. Coffee grounds, eggshells, and fibrous foods add to the buildup, eventually leading to a stubborn blockage.
Bathroom drains face their own set of challenges. Hair and soap scum frequently combine to form dense clumps that lodge in shower and tub drains. Over time, these masses can work their way deeper into the plumbing, making them harder to remove without professional tools. Toilets are vulnerable when non-flushable items such as wipes, hygiene products, cotton swabs, and excessive toilet paper are sent down the drain, often resulting in serious clogs or even a sewer line backup.
Outdoors, tree roots are a common cause of sewer line problems. Roots naturally seek out moisture and can infiltrate small cracks or joints in underground pipes. Once inside, they expand and create a tangled obstruction that catches solids flowing through the line. Mineral deposits from hard water can also contribute to narrowing pipes, and in some cases, a water softener system or whole-house water softener can help reduce internal buildup, complementing regular drain maintenance.
How Do Professionals Perform Drain Cleaning?
Professional drain cleaning relies on specialized equipment and techniques that go far beyond plungers and chemical cleaners. The process often begins with a sewer video inspection. Using a small camera attached to a flexible cable, a plumber can visually inspect the inside of pipes, locate the clog, and assess the condition of the plumbing. This allows for a targeted approach and helps determine whether the problem is a simple obstruction or a more serious issue such as a damaged pipe or invasive tree roots.
Once the source is identified, tools such as plumber’s snakes or drain snakes are commonly used. These mechanical augers can break up and retrieve clogs made of hair, food, and other debris. For more stubborn or extensive blockages, hydro jetting may be recommended. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water streams to scour the inside of pipes, cutting through grease, scale, and roots while flushing loosened material out of the system.
In homes with significant mineral buildup from hard water, professionals may also discuss water softening options. Installing a water softening system, such as a whole-home water softener with professional water softener installation, can reduce scale formation in pipes and fixtures, helping keep drains clearer between cleanings. Combined with routine professional drain cleaning, these strategies support a healthier, more reliable plumbing system.
About Loyalty Plumbing
Loyalty Plumbing is a top-rated and veteran-owned plumbing company known for providing expert, same-day service in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. Call them today to schedule drain cleaning in Las Vegas, NV.
